Advisory to the Filipino Community

Ebola, previously known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, is a rare and deadly disease, which has various strains – the Ebola Zaire is known as the most dangerous.

What is the cause of Ebola?

The cause of the virus has never been identified and it is still not known how the first case jumped to humans. But researchers believe that the virus is animal-borne and that fruit bats are the most likely reservoir or host of the disease.

What are the symptoms?

The flu-like symptoms on average take eight to 10 days to appear after exposure to Ebola. They usually include high fever greater than 38.6C, severe headaches, muscle pain, weakness, diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain and unexplained bleeding that can appear from the eyes, nose, gums and even under the skin. Recovery depends on good healthcare systems and the patient’s immune response. Those who recover from Ebola infection develop antibodies that last for at least 10 years.

How is it transmitted?

Public health officials said it can only be transferred via blood or other bodily fluids (saliva, perspiration, blood, mucus), although Tom Frieden, Director of the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, earlier this year said it was not impossible for the virus to become airborne.

Can it be prevented?

Currently there is no vaccine but the use of ZMapp drug has been attributed to saving lives but it is still subject to clinical trials to establish its safety.

Treatment:

Patients need to be placed in isolation in intensive care and be given intravenous fluids to combat dehydration. Blood pressure and blood oxygen levels need to be stabilized to support the body’s organs, as it fights the disease.ZMapp is an experimental treatment that can be tried, although it has not yet been tested in humans for safety or effectiveness.

Am I at risk?

The likelihood of catching Ebola virus disease is considered very low unless you’ve travelled to a known infected area and had direct contact with a person with Ebola-like symptoms, or had contact with an infected animal or contaminated objects.

SUMMARY

· Symptoms include high fever, bleeding and central nervous system damage

· Spread by body fluids, such as blood and saliva

· Fatality rate can reach 90% – but current outbreak has mortality rate of about 70%

· Incubation period is two to 21 days

· There is no proven vaccine or cure

· Supportive care such as rehydrating patients who have diarrhoea and vomiting can help recovery.

· Fruit bats, a delicacy for some West Africans, are considered to be the virus’s natural host

Bump fists rather than shake hands or hug. Avoid handling or wipe down doorknobs, remotes, and anything touched by many. Stay out of places that harbor possible health problems. Stay away from people who are obviously sick. When a sick person coughs or sneezes, they can spread a virus, including influenza, up to six feet through their droplets.

Cough or Sneeze into a tissue. Avoid coughing and sneezing into your hand because it helps germs travel—germs from your hand will transfer to whatever surface you touch next. Cough or sneeze into a tissue instead, then throw the tissue away and wash your hands immediately afterward.